Safety Stand Down is a joint initiative of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Safety, Health and Survival Section, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, and the International Association of Fire Fighters and is supported by national and international fire and emergency service organizations as well as health and safety-related organizations and agencies.

Held during the third full week of June each year, the 2025 event will occur from June 15-21. Fire and EMS departments are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activity during Safety Stand Down to focus on training and education related to this year’s theme. An entire week is provided to ensure all shifts and duty crews can participate.

The goal of the partner organizations is to reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths in the fire and emergency services. Safety Stand Down focuses on the critical importance of responders taking care of themselves on and off the emergency scene. The week is designed to increase awareness and action so that safety and health become a priority in all fire and emergency service departments.